Chapter 31. The Inevitability of Coincidence (3)

Hong Weimin involuntarily jumped to his feet.

‘How could he?!’

Xu Liang, with a playful smile, shook the wine bottle, looking carefree. His eyes, fixed on Xiao Yanxin, were unusually clear, unlike his usual self.

Xiao Yanxin involuntarily let out a gasp.

“Third Young Master…?!”

Xu Liang smiled.

“I had to search high and low since you weren’t in your quarters. I wondered where you could be, and here you are, enjoying the scenery.”

The warriors who had opened the door involuntarily stepped back, taken aback by his uninvited entry as if he were at home.

“What are you doing?”

The warriors turned their gaze to Hong Weimin.

His face was frozen with coldness.

“This is a place to entertain a distinguished guest. I ordered no one to enter, so why didn’t you stop him?”

The flustered warriors involuntarily gripped their sword handles, but they couldn’t do anything given who the intruder was.

Xu Liang snapped his fingers.

“Oh, is that so? You should have said that earlier.”

He took a couple of steps back, having entered and then left the room.

Taking a deep breath, he shouted in a loud voice.

“First round’s over, let’s have a second round together!”

Then he grinned.

“Is that okay?”

Hong Weimin’s eyelids trembled.

His flamboyant entrance and unconventional behavior left even the experienced Xiao Yanxin speechless. No one had ever shown such behavior in front of the leadership within the Divine Sect.

Xiao Yanxin, who had been staring at him blankly, regained her composure and quickly stood up to pay her respects.

“Invincible of the Divine Sect, Suppressing Ten Thousand Beasts. The Guardian of Joyful Garden greets Third Young Master.”

The warriors also knelt, though they had received orders from Hong Weimin. After all, the intruder was also a disciple of the same sect leader, and while their official ranks were the same, there were differences in seniority and the time they joined.

It was only natural to show respect.

Xu Liang chuckled.

“You don’t have to be so formal. I don’t really like it.”

Xiao Yanxin’s eyes sparkled.

Not liking formality? To Xiao Yanxin, who remembered the previous Third Young Master, this was a very awkward statement.

“Anyway, what do you plan to do? Will you continue enjoying this gathering, or have a drink with me?”

“That is….”

Just as Xiao Yanxin was about to answer, Hong Weimin interjected.

“What are you doing, Third Brother?”

Third Brother….

What a warm and affectionate title. It felt as if a degree of closeness had suddenly appeared.

If only he hadn’t been plotting behind the scenes.

“Xiao Guardian, I am in the middle of a gathering. Interrupting and disrupting it is quite disrespectful, isn’t it?”

Xu Liang turned his gaze to Hong Weimin.

This was the first time they had met each other’s eyes since he arrived. Their different gazes clashed, sparks flying.

But it was only for a moment.

Xu Liang, chuckling, turned his head to Xiao Yanxin and said casually.

“I don’t like uncomfortable situations. I’d like a quick answer.”

It was quite an overt snub.

Hong Weimin’s cheeks trembled with anger.

“Listen, Third Brother!”

At that moment, Xiao Yanxin stepped forward.

“I apologize, Third Young Master.”

“Huh?”

“I was invited and have responded accordingly. Until this gathering ends….”

“That’s what I’m saying. After this gathering, won’t you have a drink with me?”

“The discussion hasn’t concluded yet….”

“Ah, is it because of the Qingju Suye Grass?”

The atmosphere suddenly turned cold.

Xu Liang scratched his head.

“The Qingju Suye Grass is generally needed in two cases: when excessive yang energy needs to be drastically reduced to lower yin energy, or when one has fallen into the Nine Yin meridian blockage.”

“…!”

“But in both cases, there are many herbs that can substitute for the Qingju Suye Grass. As someone of your caliber, you must know that. So, the situation must be that there are no herbs that can substitute for the Qingju Suye Grass….”

“Ah!”

While scratching the chin of a baby fox, Xu Liang said,

“Is it possible that someone you know has fallen into demonic possession while cultivating yin energy?”

Xiao Yanxin’s eyes widened.

“How… how did you know…?”

“Drying and grinding the Qingju Suye Grass into powder can effectively correct inverted meridians. It also controls the surge of yin energy, temporarily protecting the original essence, allowing for treatment even in a severely weakened state.”

“….”

“Is that correct?”

Xiao Yanxin’s mouth twitched. He knew the reason she needed the Qingju Suye Grass all too well.

Xu Liang shook his head.

“I don’t know the patient’s condition, but if it’s not life-threatening, the Qingju Suye Grass isn’t necessarily needed. In fact, it could be dangerous. It might mess up the yang energy as well as controlling the yin energy.”

“…!”

“I understand your concern, but there’s no need to push too hard.”

Xiao Yanxin’s expression changed rapidly.

At that moment, Hong Weimin stepped forward.

“You’ve developed some rather low tastes since I last saw you.”

“Huh?”

“Eavesdropping on others’ conversations—does that seem fitting for the Third Young Master of the Divine Sect?”

“Ah? Was it that bad?”

“If you realize it, then leave immediately….”

“Then how about this?”

“What?”

Xu Liang sneered.

“The actions of a bastard who tried to kill his brothers, both openly and secretly, to seize power.”

“…!”

“What do you think? I see it as the vulgar and despicable actions of an incompetent fool.”

Hong Weimin’s face hardened.

“What do you mean by that?”

“If you’re so stupid, why do you carry your head around? You tried to seduce my maid with the Qingju Suye Grass just a moment ago, didn’t you?”

“Listen, Third Brother!”

“Anyway, even if I can tolerate it, what about the young and innocent youngest brother?”

“…!!”

Xiao Yanxin turned to look at Hong Weimin with a shocked expression.

A murderous intent flickered in Hong Weimin’s eyes.

“No matter how much you are Third Brother, I can’t tolerate any more insults.”

“Even if you can’t tolerate it, you should. People have come back from the brink of death, so can’t you handle a little mockery?”

“Third Brother!”

“Besides, without any evidence, it’s pointless to rant. Regardless….”

He turned to Xiao Yanxin and asked,

“What will you do? Will you cling to a meaningless deal, like the mockery just now?”

Xiao Yanxin’s gaze, fixed on Hong Weimin, grew increasingly stern.

“Third Young Master.”

“Speak your mind.”

“Is there any way to improve the condition of someone who has fallen into demonic possession right now? The Blood Soul Horn said we need to observe the situation.”

Xu Liang grinned.

“Have you forgotten that I survived demonic possession?”

“…!”

“How did I come back to life when everyone said I would die or become a cripple? Even while a fool was trying to sabotage me with decoctions and needles.”

Xiao Yanxin pushed the golden pouch on the table towards Hong Weimin and said coldly.

“Thank you for the invitation. I’ll pay for what I’ve consumed.”

“…Xiao Guardian.”

“Then, I’ll take my leave.”

Xiao Yanxin turned sharply.

There was no need to do business with someone she disliked. Despite not being aggressive, she had inflicted enough damage on Hong Weimin to make it hard for her to feel any goodwill towards him.

Drip.

Blood dripped from Hong Weimin’s clenched fist. His rigid face revealed his anger and humiliation.

Xu Liang, who had glanced at him, also turned his head.

He would have been less angry if Xu Liang had said something. The thorough ignoring from both of them made Hong Weimin’s murderous intent grow.

“Is this cheap white wine okay?”

“Of course. As long as the glasses are clean.”

“I polished them until they squeaked. Drink up.”

“It’s an honor. Oh, what about that fox?”

“It’s a pet I’m raising.”

“It’s so cute.”

“…It’s a demon, so don’t touch it carelessly. It might bite your fingers.”

As they chatted, Hong Weimin watched them disappear, his eyes filled with hatred.

“…Xu Liang.”

* * *

While it couldn’t compare to the Heavenly Position Hall, the courtyard in front of the Joyful Garden’s Guardian’s private residence was quite beautiful.

Xiao Yanxin, sitting on a bench, glanced at the side.

“Who is that?”

Ma Dongbi slightly bowed his head, but did not offer further greetings.

Xu Liang handed her a cup and said,

“This is Ma Dongbi from the Law Enforcement Hall. He’s an old friend who saved me several times in Gaozhu Forest.”

Xiao Yanxin’s eyes sparkled with interest, and Ma Dongbi’s face showed a hint of embarrassment.

“That’s a hard thing to say, Young Master.”

“As you can see, he’s not very flexible.”

Ma Dongbi, even more flustered, bowed deeply, unsure of what expression to show.

Xu Liang chuckled at the sight. The baby fox on his shoulder struggled to keep from falling.

A smile spread across Xiao Yanxin’s face.

‘What a warm and friendly atmosphere.’

Was it because of her experience with life and death, or was this her true nature?

The Third Young Master she remembered and the current Third Young Master were very different. It was as if they were two different people.

However, it didn’t seem like he was putting on an act. Such an atmosphere couldn’t be artificially created.

Her anger at the human touch she rarely saw in the Divine Sect gradually subsided.

“Would you like a drink?”

“It’s an honor.”

The strong scent of the white wine was very potent.

“I’ll pour it for you, Young Master.”

“It’s an honor for me as well.”

The two, having filled their cups, clinked them together.

“Indeed, it’s quite strong. Are you okay?”

“Wine can be sweet or bitter depending on who you drink it with.”

Xu Liang smiled.

“How about now?”

“It’s appropriately bitter and smooth.”

Despite the burden of being the Third Young Master, at least for now, he was making a good impression. The start wasn’t bad.

Just as Xiao Yanxin was about to speak again, Xu Liang said,

“I know your heart is not at ease. There’s no need to beat around the bush. It’s better to give you the answer you want first.”

Having his words preempted reduced her burden. Xiao Yanxin felt more at ease.

“How old is the patient who has fallen into demonic possession?”

“…Twenty-five.”

“Was he exceptionally talented in martial arts?”

She didn’t understand why he was asking this, but she answered straightforwardly.

“He was called a prodigy. He was so smart that teaching him one thing would make him understand two or three.”

“In that case, the treatment should be quite fast.”

Xu Liang looked around.

“Please bring me some paper and ink.”

This time, she couldn’t help but ask.

“What for…?”

“To write down the incantations. Of course, you can memorize them if you prefer.”

“…!”

“I’ll only give you the incantations for healing, not the core incantations of the martial arts. There’s no need to worry.”

“Oh, no….”

“They’re not easy to understand. It will probably take you about four days to understand and attempt them.”

“Young Master.”

“There won’t be immediate changes. Without knowing the condition, I can’t say for sure, but if you persist, the patient should be able to move within about half a year.”

Xiao Yanxin’s eyes widened at the mention of half a year.

“Being able to move within half a year…?”

“It depends on the talent and effort, as I said. Based on your description of his talent and the severity of his condition, I estimate he will be able to move without difficulty within half a year.”

The idea that someone who couldn’t walk due to demonic possession could move within half a year was hard to believe, considering the doctors at the Blood Soul Horn had been skeptical.

Xiao Yanxin’s eyes sparkled as she stared at Xu Liang.

“Since you say so, I will believe you. I will also be straightforward.”

“Go ahead.”

“What do you want from me?”

Xu Liang smiled and answered.